Verbs are the engine of your sentences. They keep everything moving, making things happen, expressing states of being, and sometimes even helping other verbs do their job. Whether you’re running, is feeling inspired, or has been watching Netflix all day, verbs are there in every sentence to tell us what’s going on.
In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the three main types of verbs: action verbs (the busy ones), linking verbs (the quiet connectors), and auxiliary verbs (the helpful assistants). By the end, you’ll be confidently using these verb types to create all kinds of sentences, from simple to super complex!
1. Action Verbs: The Doers of the Grammar World
Action verbs are the ones that actually get stuff done. They describe physical or mental activities and are the verbs you can easily spot because they tell us about something happening.
Examples:
- She runs every morning.
- He studied for his test.
- They enjoy going to the movies.
If you can visualize someone doing something—or even thinking or feeling something—you’re probably looking at an action verb. These verbs give sentences energy and make it clear what the subject is up to.
Types of Action Verbs:
- Transitive Verbs: These need an object to complete their meaning. Think of them as verbs that require a partner to make sense.
- Example: She kicked the ball. (“kicked” needs “the ball”)
- Intransitive Verbs: These don’t need an object—they’re perfectly happy on their own.
- Example: He slept. (No object needed—he’s just sleeping!)
Practical Tip:
Action verbs are your sentence’s workout buddies—they keep things active and moving. If you’re ever stuck in a sentence that feels dull or static, ask yourself, “What action can I add here?” Sometimes, simply using a stronger verb can bring your sentence to life!
2. Linking Verbs: The Connectors
Unlike action verbs, linking verbs don’t express action. Instead, they connect the subject to more information about the subject. It’s like being the matchmaker between your subject and whatever they’re being, feeling, or seeming. They act as equals signs in a sentence: A = B.
Examples:
- She is a doctor.
- The soup smells delicious.
- They became friends after the event.
See? No action, just connections. Linking verbs are like the glue that sticks the subject to an adjective or a noun.
Common Linking Verbs:
- To be verbs: am, is, are, was, were
- Verbs that relate to the senses: seem, appear, look, sound, smell
- Verbs that describe a change: become, grow, turn
Practical Tip:
If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a linking verb, try replacing the verb with a form of to be (like is or are). If the sentence still makes sense, congrats—it’s a linking verb! For example: The soup smells delicious → The soup is delicious still works, so “smells” is a linking verb.
3. Auxiliary Verbs: The Helpers
Now we come to auxiliary verbs (also known as helping verbs). These verbs don’t do all the work themselves—they help the main verb of the sentence by adding extra information, like when something happened, whether it’s ongoing, or if it’s a possibility.
Examples:
- I am studying for the test.
- She has eaten dinner.
- They were watching TV all evening.
Auxiliary verbs usually work alongside a main verb to give it more meaning. They can show tense (past, present, future), mood (asking questions, giving commands), and voice (active or passive).
Common Auxiliary Verbs:
- To be: am, is, are, was, were, being, been
- Example: He is running fast.
- To have: have, has, had
- Example: They have finished the assignment.
- To do: do, does, did
- Example: Did you see that movie?
Practical Tip:
Think of auxiliary verbs as the “hype team” for the main verb. They support it by adding depth. You’ll often see them paired with main verbs in continuous (progressive) tenses, perfect tenses, and questions.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Confusing Linking Verbs with Action Verbs
Some verbs can act as either linking verbs or action verbs depending on how they’re used. For example:
- Linking Verb: The cake tastes amazing. (Here, “tastes” connects the subject to an adjective.)
- Action Verb: She tasted the cake. (Here, “tasted” shows an action.)
How to Avoid: If the verb describes an action you can picture someone doing, it’s an action verb. If it’s describing a state or quality, it’s probably a linking verb.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Auxiliary Verb in Questions
In English, questions often need an auxiliary verb to work correctly, especially in present and past simple tenses.
- Incorrect: You like pizza?
- Correct: Do you like pizza?
How to Avoid: Always check if you need an auxiliary verb when forming a question. Remember: do/does/did is your friend for questions in present and past tenses.
Mistake #3: Overusing “To Be” Verbs
Sometimes, ESL learners rely too much on to be verbs (like “is,” “are,” and “was”) when action verbs would make the sentence stronger.
- Weak: She is happy.
- Better: She feels happy.
How to Avoid: Whenever possible, choose a specific action verb to add more flavor to your sentence. It’ll make your writing more engaging and dynamic.
5. Quick Recap Table: Verb Types at a Glance
Here’s a handy table to help you quickly remember the different types of verbs:
| Verb Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Action Verbs | Express physical or mental actions | She jumps. |
| Linking Verbs | Connect the subject to more information | He is tall. |
| Auxiliary Verbs | Help the main verb show tense, mood, or voice | They are running. |
Conclusion: Verbs Are the Heart of Your Sentences!
Verbs may come in different types—action, linking, and auxiliary—but they all share one thing: they’re essential to clear communication. Whether you’re showing action, connecting ideas, or helping to form complex sentences, verbs do the heavy lifting in English.
By understanding these different verb types, you’ll be able to add variety to your sentences, make your writing clearer, and speak more naturally. Remember:
- Action verbs make things happen.
- Linking verbs connect subjects to descriptions.
- Auxiliary verbs are the ultimate helpers.